'Our little princess'

Mom, brother remember North Judson teen who died after a crash.

Mom, brother remember North Judson teen who died after a crash.

February 18, 2006|CHRIS GAUTZ Tribune Staff Writer

NORTH JUDSON -- Katherine Whitenack was a track star, a good student, loved the outdoors and loved even more being responsible for the smiles on the faces of her friends and family. These are just a few of the things her family said they will miss and remember the most about her. Whitenack died Wednesday from injuries suffered in an automobile crash Monday night on County Road 350 West outside of North Judson. Whitenack, 16, was a sophomore at North Judson-San Pierre High School, where she was active in many school activities and clubs, her mother, Sandra, said. "She loved everybody," Sandra Whitenack said. "She was wonderful. She's got friends everywhere." At school, Whitenack was on the track and cross country teams, where she earned awards for most improved and most valuable player. North Judson-San Pierre Principal Kelly Shepherd said while he didn't know Whitenack personally, he was impressed by all those who have come forward to offer help and comfort to the family. "We've had a wonderful outpouring of support from both students and staff," he said. Bobby Whitenack said he will miss his younger sister. "I can't put how I feel for her in words," he said. While most brothers try to avoid their sisters, Whitenack said the opposite was true about his little sister. "I could always spend a lot of time with her," he said. "She was a lot of fun. We all miss her and we all love her." Her mother described her as a very artistic student who loved music, was taking guitar lessons and enjoyed painting. "She was in a lot of projects," she said, adding her daughter's involvement in 4-H and the Girl Scouts. Whitenack attended St. Peter Lutheran Church, and was a member of the youth group. "She enjoyed making people laugh," she said. "She's our little princess." The Starke County Sheriff's Department said the crash is still under investigation and could provide no further details. Initial reports from police said Whitenack was driving a truck south on County Road 350 West just south of County Road 500 South when she crashed at 6:06 p.m. She was initially taken to Starke Memorial Hospital in Knox, and flown from there to Memorial Hospital in South Bend. Friends may call from 4 to 9 p.m. today at North Judson-San Pierre High School auditorium. Staff writer Chris Gautz: cgautz@sbtinfo.com (574) 936-2921